Campbell Biology (10th Edition)

Chapter 4 - 4.3 - Concept Check: 3

Answer

The molecule would lose its ability to participate in protein structure with the loss of the amino group and would be solely an acid. The central carbon, which had been asymmetric, becomes symmetric. Please see image.

Work Step by Step

To see the difference between the two molecules, compare the original structure in Fig. 4.9 with the uploaded image. Consider the difference in properties between the functional groups that are changing and how they would change the overall properties of the altered molecule.